Home Blog Page 1579

Stakeholders to strategise on quality infrastructure, trade facilitation

admin
-
0
Stakeholders to strategise on quality infrastructure, trade facilitation

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria is collaborating with its African counterparts to harmonise standards and encourage trade facilitation across the continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area .

According to a statement signed by SON’s spokesperson, Mrs. Foluso Bolaji on Thursday, the agency would collaborate with key stakeholders in the industry to unify standards at the African Organisation for Standardisation’s 30th ARSO General Assembly to be held in Abuja between June17 and 21, 2024 at the Abuja International Conference Centre.

The African Organisation for Standardisation is the continental standards body mandated to facilitate intra-African trade and industrial development through harmonised standards and conformity assessment.

SON noted that the event will kick off with an opening ceremony hosted by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Ujoka-Anite and speakers from the public and private sectors.

It added that the event would feature “Made in Africa Expo” which will run concurrently but parallel with the General Assembly events.

The Expo provides an excellent opportunity for both large and small businesses to showcase their products and services to the African continent and the rest of the world.

It will also provide an interactive setting that will enable Exhibitors attract and build relationships with potential or new customers.

The statement partly reads: “The General Assembly is ARSO’s highest governing body who meet at least once a year to review the progress of the organisation based on the yearly strategic plan.

“Scheduled to air on television and social media platforms, the event will bring together the key policy-makers, experts, professionals and other relevant stakeholders from across the African continent and beyond in the matter of standardisation, to discuss and strategise on critical issues related to Standardisation, Quality Infrastructure and Trade facilitation.

“From insightful keynote addresses to interactive technical sessions, delegates can expect a rich tapestry of knowledge-sharing, networking, collaboration and innovation.”

EFCC arrests herbalist, 48 suspected fraudsters in Kogi

admin
-
0
EFCC arrests herbalist, 48 suspected fraudsters in Kogi

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested an herbalist and 48 suspected internet fraudsters for offences bordering on conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence in Lokoja, Kogi State.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the EFCC on Thursday.

The statement partly read, “They were arrested upon credible intelligence on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at various locations in Lokoja.

“The herbalist, believed to be a spiritual godfather of internet fraudsters, was arrested with various charms.

“Items recovered from them include 10 exotic cars, two motorcycles, 11 laptops, 83 mobile phones and charms.

“The suspects, all male, between the ages of 17 ans 34 will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.”

According reported in February 2023 how the police command in Edo State arrested a 65-year-old herbalist among 22 people arrested for armed robbery, cultism and unlawful assembly in the state.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Tinubu pledges to promote science, tech development

admin
-
0
Tinubu pledges to promote science, tech development

President Bola Tinubu says his administration is committed to fostering the development of science and technology in the country.

Tinubu made the commitment on Thursday when he was named Grand Patron of Science at the investiture ceremony organised by the Nigerian Academy of Science at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

The President expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasising the crucial role of science in shaping a nation’s future.

On his part, the President of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Ekanem Braide, premised the conferment on Tinubu’s support for scientific research, education and technological advancements.

Details shortly…

Stephen Angbulu

With three years of experience, Stephen, The According correspondent, has been covering Nigeria’s presidency, politics, security, immigration and trafficking in persons

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Bandits invade Kaduna school, kidnap pupils

admin
-
0
Bandits invade Kaduna school, kidnap pupils

Some bandits were reported to have invaded the LEA Primary School, Kuriga in the troubled Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, kidnapping scores of pupils on Thursday morning.

A source, who is a resident of the area, said no fewer than 100 pupils were taken away by the bandits who stormed the town in large numbers.

It was also gathered that the head teacher of the school as well as other staff were among those abducted by the hoodlums.

Details of the incident were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report.

Penultimate Thursday, bandits invaded the Gonin-Gora the troubled same Chikun LGA, forcing residents to barricade the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway protesting the abduction of an unspecified number of people in the area.

The residents had stormed the highway protesting and urging the government to do something about the incessant attacks by bandits in the area.

The kidnappers on Wednesday night through the early hours of Thursday had attacked the community, kidnapping unspecified numbers of the residents.

The incident which eyewitnesses said happened from 11pm to 3am Thursday, forced residents to troop out to protest what they described as the audacity of the hoodlums in attacking the area.

Details later…

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Terrorists killed, kingpins’ hideouts destroyed in Katsina, Zamfara — NAF

admin
-
0
Terrorists killed, kingpins’ hideouts destroyed in Katsina, Zamfara — NAF

Air strikes conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji have destroyed the hideouts of many terrorist leaders in the Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The kingpins whose hideouts were destroyed include Maudi Maudi.

The Nigerian Air Force had on January 30, 2024, said it killed several terrorists and destroyed their enclaves located on Tora hills in the same LGA.

A statement on Thursday by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, noted that the strikes were authorised after the presence of the armed terrorists were confirmed in the location.

The statement read, “Air strikes conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji
on terrorists’ enclaves in Safana Local Government of Katsina State have yielded the requisite outcome.

“The strikes carried out on March 5, 2024 were executed at the stronghold of the infamous terrorist leader, Maudi Maudi, and several other terrorist kingpins situated south of Tsaskiya in Safana LGA of Katsina State.

“The strikes were prompted by painstaking Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations conducted in the targeted vicinity where clusters of huts were observed amid rocky terrain. The surveillance also confirmed a substantial presence of armed terrorists loitering among the huts, after which the authorisation to strike was obtained.”

Gabkwet said the assessment done after the operations revealed that several terrorists were killed while others escaped with injuries.

“A post-strike Battle Damage Assessment revealed the targeted location engulfed in flames, with a few survivors observed fleeing to safety. Though several terrorists were eliminated, it remains unconfirmed if Maudi Maudi was among those neutralised,” he added.

Gabkwet also said similar strikes conducted in Zamfara killed several terrorists and destroyed his camp.

He said, “Similar strikes were also carried out on 6 March 2024 at the stronghold of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Alhaji Na-Shama, situated to the East of Ussu village within the Nasarawar Mailayi District in the Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara State. Reliable human intelligence has confirmed the neutralization of several of Na-Shama’s associates and the total obliteration of his camp and logistics. It is yet to be confirmed if Na-Shama was among the victims.

“The precision strikes by NAF aircraft have continued to give the expected outcomes with the elimination of several terrorists and the destruction of their means of mobility. These efforts served to protect civilian lives as well as disrupt their logistics support bases and motorcycles. This proactive approach aligns with the mission objectives of Operation Hadarin Daji, which majorly focuses on securing the Northwestern region of Nigeria from the menace of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry.”

Reps urge security agents to rescue abducted Borno women

admin
-
0
Reps urge security agents to rescue abducted Borno women

Federal lawmakers have called on security agencies to rescue about 300 women kidnapped in Borno State last week.

It was reported that the women were taken into custody by suspected Boko Haram jihadists while searching for firewood in the forest of Gamboru Ngala.

Moving a motion on a matter of urgent public importance on the floor of the House on Thursday, a member representing Bama/Ngala/Kalabalge Federal Constituency of Borno State, Zainab Gimba, described the abduction as worrisome like the April 2014 abduction of school girls in Chibok.

Gimba said, “I want to bring to the notice of the House that about 300 women were abducted while fetching firewood for domestic and commercial purposes in my constituency.

“I am calling on security agencies to as a matter of urgency, see to the rescue of these women who went in search of their daily bread.

“The House notes that this is the second biggest number of abductions after the Chibok girls abduction that took place in 2014 even though, some of those girls are still in captivity.”

In his remarks, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the plenary session, described the incident as a sad development and called on security agents to step up their search for the abducted women.

“We, as a House are pained that the families of the abducted persons are going through what they are going through at the moment

“In the spirit of the International Women’s Day Celebration tomorrow (Friday), we pray that these women and those still in captivity be freed from their abductors.

“There is no better way to celebrate Women’s Day without calling for the protection and release of these women.

Following the resolution of the House, the motion was referred to the Committee on Defence and National Emergency Management Agency.

Two adults, four children found dead in Canada

admin
-
0
Two adults, four children found dead in Canada

Two adults and four children have been found dead at a residence in the suburbs of the Canadian capital Ottawa, and a suspect has been arrested, police said Thursday.

No details were provided. Police said in a statement “a tragic and complex investigation” was underway.

They said they responded to emergency calls just before 11 pm Wednesday (0400 GMT Thursday) and found the deceased victims inside a Barrhaven area residence in Canada.

A suspect was arrested at the scene. “There is no ongoing threat to public safety,” the statement added.

AFP

Details later

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

Police committed to fairness in Erisco tomato case — Force PRO

admin
-
0
Police committed to fairness in Erisco tomato case — Force PRO

The Nigeria Police Force has reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring impartiality in the ongoing Erisco Tomato case.

This was made known in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi shared on X on Thursday.

The statement by the Force Spokesperson, Adejobi, warned against spreading misinformation and attempting to influence public sentiment.

It also condemns the use of crowdfunding to manipulate legal proceedings and stresses the importance of enforcing existing legislation to combat violations and misinformation on social media.

The statement which was titled, “ERISCO TOMATOES MATTER: OUR CYBERCRIME ACT IS POTENT, EFFECTIVE”, said, “The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rule of law in the Erisco Tomato matter. The involvement of Mrs. Chioma warrants scrutiny as she stands accused of violating some salient parts of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 as preliminary investigations conducted have unearthed compelling evidence indicating Mrs. Chioma’s alleged role in the violation of extant laws, particularly those related to the proper use of the cyberspace.

“At this juncture, it is imperative to caution members of the public against spreading misinformation and attempting to manipulate public sentiment. The law operates impartially, and any attempt to subvert it will be met with the full force of legal action.

“The recent developments in the case are deeply worrisome, particularly the use of crowdfunding as a means to influence legal proceedings. Such actions undermine the integrity of the justice system and threaten the principles of fairness and accountability as they are highly inimical to the existence of the rule of law.

“This case in point underscores the necessity of enforcing existing legislation, including the Cybercrime Act, to counteract the current spate of violations of the Act and the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media. It is vital to reaffirm that the Nigeria Police is poised to enforce all laws without fear, favour, or sentiments in its commitment to ensuring justice and transparency for all citizens.

“We therefore advise the suspect to cease the continual jumping bail and turn up in court, as a neutral arbiter, to determine the matter, and allow justice to take its course, while we admonish Nigerians, most especially social media influencers, to resort to embracing the rule of law, and shun all display of sentiments in the case, and in many others as the police will not be deterred by the antics of certain individuals to pervert justice in any way.”

Recall that in September last year, the Chief Executive Officer of Erisco Foods threatened to slam Okoli with a N5 billion lawsuit over her negative review of the company’s Tomato Paste.

Recover N5.19trn unpaid taxes from MDAs, others, Reps urge FIRS

admin
-
0
Recover N5.19trn unpaid taxes from MDAs, others, Reps urge FIRS

The House of Representatives, on Thursday, directed the Federal Inland Revenue Service to recover all taxes totalling over N5.19trn owed the Federal Government by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, oil companies as well as individuals.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the floor of the House on Thursday, moved by the member representing Oredo Federal Constituency of Edo State, Esosa Iyawe.

Leading the debate on the motion titled “Alleged non-remittance and under-remittance of tax by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, oil companies and other organisations”, the Labour Party chieftain recalled that in 2021, “The FIRS revealed that the sum of N17. 69bn was owed in taxes by some companies, whose addresses were untraced till date, but no action was taken to locate or recover the funds.”

He added, “Audit reports from 2015 to 2019 revealed government agencies owing hundreds of billions in FIRS taxes comprising underpayments and under recoveries and over 5,000 companies and MDAs of the Federal Government owing N5.2trn in withholding taxes.”

Esosa further argued that under-remittance and non-remittance of tax deprive the Federal Government of much-needed funds to drive its policies for national development, stressing that if the situation is not urgently addressed, “The effect could be crippling on the country’s already dwindling economy.”

This is just as he maintained that small-scale businesses in Nigeria are frustrated by multiple taxations by the FIRS while “States and Local Government Authorities, multinational companies and other corporate organisations are getting the kid-glove treatment.”

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged FIRS to embark on a tax recovery drive while also mandating the Committees on Public Accounts and Finance to investigate the non-compliance on tax remittance by MDAs of government, Oil Companies and other organisations, “to ensure that all debts in taxes owed the Federal Government are duly recovered, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.”

NSCDC arrests 85-year-old suspected kidnapper in Kano

admin
-
0
NSCDC arrests 85-year-old suspected kidnapper in Kano

Operatives of the Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps, Ungoggo Division, Kano State Command, have arrested suspected kidnapper, Ibrahim Usman, at Yar’adua quarters, Rimin Kebe, Ungoggo Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi, a copy of which was made available to the According Online on Thursday.

“The 85-year-old suspect, Ibrahim Usman, abducted the victim, a three-year-old boy who is a child in the neighbourhood and attempted to hide him in his friend’s residence situated at the Hotoro bye-pass in Kano State.

“Having suspected foul play, his friend refused to keep the boy in his custody and decided to alert residents where the suspect lived at Rimin Kebe, who had been looking for the missing boy.

“This development led the suspect to run away, and he was later picked up by personnel of the corps, Ungoggo Division. Worthy of note is that the suspect had collected the victim’s phone number for the last two months but never called him once,” the statement said.

According to Abdullahi, the investigation into the case has reached an advanced stage, and when concluded, the suspect will be charged in court.

Amid the growing concern over the raging abduction epidemic in the country, no fewer than 10 states, Kano included, vowed to implement the death sentence and life imprisonment for convicted kidnappers.

Last week, the Kano State Police Command said it had recorded a breakthrough in its operations following the arrest of a fleeing murder suspect and notorious kidnapper, identified as Ismail Rabiu, otherwise known as ‘Risi’.

1...1,5781,5791,580...2,849Page 1,579 of 2,849
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv